roughriders23

Before I start my review I would like to state a few things:

1) Saawariya was my most awaited film of the year. 2) I'm in love with Sonam Kapoor. 3) I loved all of Sanjay's past movies.

I had to state these three facts before writing my review. So if you think my review will be bias…please just don't read it.

Saawariya is a movie which makes you think. What does Saawariya really mean. Saawariya is a word used by Krishna. We all know Krishna's tale. In Saawariya Krishna's tale is told through Ranbir Raj's character. Firstly, I'd like to say that the film is slow paced. There is a lot of cheeky humor here and there. The visuals are magical. If you don't like fairy-tales then stay away from this movie. The film does not offer anything new when it comes to the storyline. The dialogues are good. There are a few phrases here and there that will definitely stay with you after viewing the film. This so called Hollywood project is pure bollywood. The dances, the romance, the dialogues, the background music, the I-see-a-girl-for-the-first-time-and-then-fall-in-love, it's all hear (100% bollywood). It's just the setting that changes the whole film around. Cinematography (Ravi K. Chandran) and art direction (Omung Kumar) can't get any better than this. In Sanjay's world we get to see blue and green throughout the whole film and it doesn't bore you. That's the look of the film and it's an eye-catching look. What doesn't click is the characterization. Salman and Sonam's character aren't well developed. I'm not saying that they didn't perform well. But if they had stronger characters I think they would of stood out more. While Ranbir and Rani's characters are well sketched and you instantly fall in love with them. As for the screenplay, it's very simple and clean and to the point. Boy see's a girl, falls in love with a girl, tries to win the girl's heart, girl loves someone else and is confused with the relationship she has with the boy. For a Sanjay Leela movie I would expect stronger screenplay, stronger scenes. There are many songs in the film but it doesn't affect the movie in a negative way. The songs actually elevate the movie just like back in the days where the songs played a very major role in films. Jab Se Tere Naina, Masha Allah, Yoon Shabnami and the title track are all well picturized. There aren't many side characters but if there was no Zhora Sehgal, there wouldn't be any light moments in the film. Zohra is witty and cute. She brings the jokes and laughter. Para Behgum is wasted. Salman Khan is very serious in this film. There isn't one scene in which he act's like Salman Khan. I didn't like his character and I'm still wondering why Sakina fell for Imaan. Rani is a delight to watch. She's controls the screen and shares great chemistry with Ranbir. Her character rocks. I hope she wins best supporting actress. She deserves it. Sonam as I said doesn't have the strongest character, but that doesn't take away from her performance. There is one scene where her aunt tells her the truth about Imaan and she ends up laughing it off. The way this young girl controls that scene is just amazing. One of the hardest scenes to perform and she does it with eaze. With that scene you can tell how obsessed her character is for Imaan and how deeply in love she is with Imaan. Good job Sonam, great debut. Now to the man who holds this movie together. If Ranbir didn't deliver in this film, Sanjay's film would have been in big trouble. Ranbir carries the film on his shoulder. He makes you laugh, he makes you cry. The man has shades of Rishi and shades or Raj Kapoor. The climax is all about Ranbir. He steals it. The way he puts his hand up and waves to Sonam reminds you of Raj Kapoor. What I loved the most about him is that he's trying to create his own style his own persona. He doesn't go all out and try to act like his father or mimic Raj Kapoor's style. Ranbir your here to stay. I think it's time to welcome the new superstar of tomorrow. Now coming to the captain of the ship, Mr. Bhansali doesn't give you a classic. He doesn't give you a masterpiece. He gives you a good movie that you will remember 5 or 10 years down the line. A simple movie, a fairy-tale that takes you beyond this world. If you don't like the world your living in, go to Sanjay's world, go watch this movie and for 2 hours you will be living in a magical place that's so beautiful and pure. Many people will not like it, many people will say it's OK, some people may think it's an instant classic. I say it's just a good movie that should only be seen on big screen. So go watch the film guys…OKAY-BYE.

7/10

Petey will be talking to me a few more times this year...I will buy this movie and watch it many times...its inspiring, comedic, emotional, dramatic...basically its a movie that you can sit back and enjoy. It has all the elements a good movie needs. Don Cheadle is the man who carries the movie on this back. His spontaneous ways, his charm, his comedic timing, his voice-tone are all worth praising. I don't know much about the real Petey Greene but after watching this movie I know I wouldn't mind youtubing him up or googling him up. The Martin Luther King angle in the film is so well handled. You can feel the pain the city and the brothas n sistas felt during that period. Director Kasi has done a marvelous job handling this movie. She did her research and didn't try portraying Petey as an icon nor a god. The screenplay is excellent in this movie. Chiwetel also gives an good performance here. He has a meaty role and he sinks his teeth right into it. The man is very good in the dramatic, emotional scenes. Taranji is electrifying. I think she should get lead roles just like Halle Berry's and Hilary Swank's. I'm not comparing here, but with her talent I think Taranji deserves more. As for now she is really doing good in her smaller roles. Once again...this movie is off the hook...its black...but it doesn't have to be...it depends how you view the subject...but Petey's story should not be missed...so it don't matter what color you are...just go and see the damn movie man.

Set in 1981, Pursuit of Happiness is a movie about a father raising his young child at the most critical and toughest time of his life.Pursuit of Happiness is based on the life of a real-life man named Chris Gardner.Will Smith brings this man's real-life saga onto big screen. Will is amazing here. Oscar worthy performance…a nomination PLZ. The man iselectrifying in his emotional scenes. HE'S ALL EMO in this film…thats for sure…but you cheer and root for Will's character throughout the film. The movie is predictable definitely but you sit in your seat and even await these predictable incidents or moments to occur. The film is inspiring…it teaches you to rise even in situations that you believe have NO WAY OUT. People who have seen the film would understand what I mean. The scene where Will and his son are in the Subway Station Mens Bathroom is just heart-wrenching. Also the climax scene where Will sheds a tear after knowing that finally what he worked for has worked out for him. The movie does somewhat send the message that HAPPINESS COMES FROM WEALTH AND HAVING A DECENT JOB…BUT IT ALSO SHOWS THAT CHASE AFTER YOUR DREAMS EVEN IF OTHERS SAY THAT YOU WONT BE ABLE TO REACH THAT DREAM…JUST Don't LET YOUR DREAM OR HOPES GO. I was really moved and touched…and I know that many of you Bollywood fans would be too. The direction is decent. First-time director Gabrielle Muccino handles his actors very well…but sometimes his films slows down…sometimes the films seems like its not on a normal pace. THe cinematography and editing are both good. Jayden Smith is a natural…I think hes going to be the NEXT FRESH PRINCE hahahaha. Anyways, give this film a watch if your a Will Smith or if you believe that Will cant act…just watch this and get proved wrong. This is Will's best performance of his career (tops Ali BIGTIME).

8/10